The Garmin bean bag mount has been around since the early days of GPS navigation, and despite everything that has changed in automotive tech, it is still one of the easiest and most practical mounting solutions available.
Check the photo below? That’s a Garmin Nuvi 350 seated upon the bean bag mount. If you’ve been using Garmin devices for a while, you probably recognize this mount immediately. It goes all the way back to the Nuvi era, when windshield suction mounts didn’t always work well and dashboards were not designed with mounting in mind.
What has changed is not the mount itself, but the size of Garmin GPS units. Modern devices are larger, heavier, and in some cases require a completely different mounting standard.
Quick answer: Most Garmin GPS units still use a 17mm mount, including the majority of current Drive and DriveSmart models. Only larger 8-inch and above Garmin units such as the DriveSmart 86, RV, and OTR series use the 22mm ball system.
What Is a Garmin Bean Bag Mount
The Garmin bean bag mount, officially called a portable friction mount, is a weighted base designed to sit directly on your dashboard without adhesives or suction.
The bottom of the mount uses a rubberized, non-slip surface that grips the dash under normal driving conditions. The weight of the mount keeps it stable, and the GPS sits on top using a standard ball-and-socket connection.
The entire concept is simplicity. There is no installation process. You place it on the dash, connect your cradle, and you are ready to go.
This is why these mounts became extremely popular with rental cars, fleet vehicles, and drivers who frequently switch vehicles.
Never place a bean bag mount on top of an airbag deployment area. This includes most passenger-side dashboards. If the airbag deploys, the mount and GPS can become a dangerous projectile.
Also remember that friction mounts are not permanently secured. In a hard stop, the mount can slide or lift. Always position it on a flat surface and, when possible, use a safety tether or anchor point to reduce movement.
17mm vs 22mm Garmin Mounts (Correct Compatibility)
This is where most people get it wrong.
Garmin has used the 17mm ball standard for years, and it is still the dominant mount size across most of their lineup today.
Only when Garmin introduced larger 8-inch and above GPS units did they move to a 22mm system to support the added weight and size.
17mm mounts (majority of Garmin devices):
- Garmin Nuvi series (all models)
- Garmin Drive series
- Garmin DriveSmart 5, 6, and most 7-inch models (65, 66, 76)
22mm mounts (large-format Garmin units):
- Garmin DriveSmart 86
- Garmin RV 890 and RV 1090
- Garmin dezl OTR700, OTR800, OTR1000
The easiest way to think about it is this: if your Garmin is under 8 inches, it almost certainly uses 17mm. If it is 8 inches or larger, it likely uses 22mm.
These sizes are not interchangeable. A 17mm mount will not securely hold a 22mm device.
Best Garmin Bean Bag Mounts
Garmin Portable Friction Mount (17mm) – Best for Most Users
This is the original bean bag mount and still the best option for most Garmin users.
It is designed specifically for Garmin’s 17mm system and works with almost every Nuvi, Drive, and DriveSmart unit under 8 inches.
The process is simple. Remove the cradle from your suction mount and snap it onto the 17mm ball on the bean bag mount. That’s it.
This mount is extremely portable. It is ideal for travel, rental cars, and drivers who do not want a permanent installation.
The only downside is that it relies entirely on friction. If your dash is sloped or treated with protectants, it may slide under hard braking.
Garmin XL Portable Friction Mount (22mm) – Best for Large Garmin GPS Units
For larger Garmin devices, a 22mm mount is required. These units are heavier and need a stronger connection point.
The design is similar to the original bean bag mount, but scaled up to handle the additional size and weight.
If you are using a DriveSmart 86, RV 890/1090, or any of the dezl OTR units, this is the correct mount type.
This is especially useful for RV and truck drivers who move between vehicles and need a portable mounting solution.
Bracketron Universal Friction Mount – Best Alternative Option
Bracketron has become the go-to alternative now that other friction mount options have disappeared from the market.
This mount follows the same bean bag concept but is designed to work with a wider range of devices using a universal cradle or existing mount system. The base has a smooth disk which the suction cup adheres to. Just like the windshield, only for the dash mount.
It is a good choice if you want a friction mount but are not strictly using a Garmin-specific setup.
It also tends to offer a slightly wider base, which can help with stability on certain dashboards.
Advantages of Bean Bag Mounts
- No installation required
- No suction cups or adhesives
- Extremely portable
- Works well in rental vehicles
- Compatible with existing Garmin cradles
Limitations You Need to Understand
- Can slide during hard braking
- Not ideal for sloped dashboards
- Can become a projectile in sudden stops
- Less secure than fixed mounts
Common Mistakes
- Buying a 17mm mount for an 8-inch Garmin unit
- Assuming all Garmin mounts are interchangeable
- Using on a treated or glossy dashboard
- Expecting it to perform like a fixed mount
Installation Tips
- Place on a flat section of the dash
- Clean the surface before use
- Avoid curved or sloped areas
- Test positioning before driving
- Remove when parked in extreme heat
Bottom Line
The Garmin bean bag mount remains one of the simplest and most useful GPS mounting solutions available.
The key is choosing the correct size. Most Garmin units still use 17mm, while larger 8-inch and above devices require 22mm.
Get that right, and this mount will continue to perform exactly as it has since the days of the Nuvi 350.
